RIPON — Daniel Van De Pol picked the perfect time to break out of a slump.

The junior guard scored nine of his 11 points in the fourth quarter Saturday, including the game-winning bucket to help Ripon Christian’s boys basketball team down Victory Christian of Carmichael, 56-54.

Van De Pol hadn’t scored in double digits since posting 12 in a 55-46 loss to Central Valley in the Galt Warrior Classic on Dec. 12.

Steve Vander Molen led the Knights (6-5) with 17 points and 10 rebounds and was also clutch, scoring 12 in the second half.

Center Tyler Goslinga added 16 points and eight rebounds.

Nathan Coppermoll recorded 20 points to pace Victory Christian (10-4). Andrew Gillings added 18, while James Kuhle finished with 11.

Ripon Christian continues non-league play Tuesday at Calaveras.

In Modesto, the Lancers (1-10) hung tough after falling behind 9-1, but 6-foot-9 Marcus Bell (30 points) proved to be too much to handle in the paint.

Tyler Bylow led East Union with 11 points, Ken Martinez turned in 10 and Ricky Inderbitzin added nine.

Enochs (12-5) was unable to take advantage of its hot start, leading just 18-16 after the first.

“I was pleased with how the guys stayed focused and competed, and they were able to continue that effort in the second quarter,” East Union coach Eric Simoni said. “But in the second half of that second quarter, we did not play with the same intensity and sustained concentration.”

East Union opens Valley Oak League action Wednesday at Ceres High.

In Modesto, the Pages let a 14-point, third-quarter lead slip away and allowed Enochs to tie in the fourth.
Brandon Cline, who finished with 10 points, hit a key 3-pointer late to put EU up for good. Alex Del Rio led the way with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Zac Carillo added 10 and nine.

In Lathrop, the host Spartans (1-2 VOL, 5-8 overall) claimed the program’s first-ever conference victory behind Krystal Ruiz’s 10 points.

Jasmine Elder and Erica Sanchez contributed eight points apiece.

“The girls played great defense today and got the ball out on the break,” Lathrop coach Ed Fang said. “They’re understanding what we’re trying to do, and I’m happy with that.
Lathrop next heads to Oakdale Monday.